johnlaeger.com

BREAKING NEWS! ... It's 100% Official!!!

I just got word that all documents have been signed and recorded!! After 14 years of being portable, Meadow Spring now has a permanent home!!

Wow! Oh wow! Oh wow!!!!!!!!

Workday at Our New Building

We are going to hit the ground running with getting our new building ready for our ministry. THIS SATURDAY, we are having a work day at the new building beginning at 8 a.m. We will be:

• Demoing a wall and a couple counters in the lobby area.
• Working in the main auditorium replacing some seats.
• Pulling weeds, mowing, cleaning up bushes
• Assisting the theatre owner

Bring your gloves, your hammers, your sledge hammers, your wrenches, your skill saws, your sawzalls, your hedge trimmers, your lawn mowers, your muscles, your extension cords, your tools, your crowbars, your brooms, and anything else you can think of that you might need!

Here are the details:

• Where: Meadow Spring Church
• Address: 511 Walnut Street in Chaska
• Time: 8 AM until whenever

If you have any questions, post a comment on Facebook or email John at john@meadowspring.org.

Sunday Mind Dump - Including the BIG Announcement

• Wow! What a Sunday! My head is still spinning!
• Yes...I actually did say we are closing on our purchase of the REX this Wednesday!
• Yes...I actually did say our first service in our new building is on August 5th (just six weeks away!)
• Yes...I actually am FREAKING OUT!!!
• One reason I'm glad the cats out of the bag now is I don't have to hold in what I know! This has been killing me knowing this day was coming and I couldn't say anything about it!
• I am overwhelmed by those who have already stepped forward to offer their help and expertise in various areas to get our new building up and ready for guests!
• We had the privilege of having John Pennucci be part of our band and lead a few worship songs today. He is interviewing for the Director of Worship position.
• John will be back on July 8th to lead the entire worship service - we are looking forward to it!
• Another strong offering today - so amazed at how giving Meadowites are!
• If you have watched the 2 1/2 minute video of just the big announcement, I highly encourage you to watch or listen to the entire service and message. It is important we keep it all in context of who we are and what God is doing. It is about so much more than just getting our first building.
• The full video will be up on the web site (www.MeadowSpring.org) by Tuesday.
• With the exception of Keldon breaking a few guitar strings, the music and worship were really awesome today (but then - when isn't it awesome!)
• With all that has been happening with the REX, I have been mentally exhausted come the evening and it's not going to slow down any time soon.
• Starting Wednesday, I will no longer be calling it the REX. It wil be called our new building - Meadow Spring Church!
• I am REALLY enjoying teaching this series ... My Church Rocks.
• We've been having communion every week for the last few weeks now (with the exception of last Sunday when Pete Young spoke). I'd like your input - how do you feel it has been?
• I'm sitting here watching the Olympic trials and the older I get, the more amazed I am at what these athletes can do.
• If you are on the Set Up/Tear Down Team ... the countdown has begun to your date of unemployment! (But don't worry - there are plenty of other ministries you'll be perfect for.)
• Anybody else enjoying air conditioning lately! I love the outdoor weather, but its nice to relax inside a cool home. We are so blessed!
• There is an ice cream and fudge shop right outside the front door of the REX. I am in SO much trouble. The only thing worse would be a Famous Dave's next door!
• I think we had more bread and bagels today than we have ever had. I picked them up last night and they barely fit in my truck!
• I am usually totally whipped after church on Sunday, but after a nap - I'm read to do it again. And I just had my nap so bring on Sunday! Let's do it!
• Mark September 16 on your calendar as the first "Grand Opening" service in our new building!
• My mind is now dumped...time for some ice cream!

 

Two Critical Updates on the REX

1. Thursday at 4 PM, we will be meeting face-to-face with the seller to finalize all signatures and do a thorough walk through of the building with the seller and the owner of the previous theatre business. While we are confidant we have finally reached a mutual agreement, nothing is final until all parties have signed the official documents. I can't emphasize enough the need for your prayers.
2. The importance of this Sunday cannot be over-stated. I plan on spending focused time explaining the challenging implications to us as a church family should purchasing the REX become a reality. I will be talking about the timeline and what we can expect. I am convinced this Sunday will be a Sunday where your excitement for Meadow and our future will be catapulted to new heights. DON'T MISS IT!!

As always, if you have any questions at all, please email me at john@meadowspring.org.

See you Sunday and KEEP PRAYING!!!

Sign Ideas?

Although its not a done deal yet, we are working hard at the remodel plan so when the deal is done, we can hit the ground running.

One issue is the outside sign on the front of the building. The front is an awesome place to put our name to let others know this is Meadow Spring. But we need your ideas for the sign.

We are pretty well set on the lower part saying "Meadow Spring", but as you look at the picture there is potential for something else to be put on the higher part. The picture shows a clock but it doesn't have to be a clock. It could be a cross? It could be a design? What kind of design?

What are your ideas and suggestions?

If you prefer not to post your ideas on Facebook for others to see, you can email them directly to me at john@meadowspring.org.

I look forward to your ideas and suggestions!

Sunday Mind Dump

• Great morning again!
• I know I always say that, but then...if it wasn't great, I wouldn't say so!
• Pete & Tija Young spoke instead of me. I totally enjoyed the morning off from speaking, but its always a little wierd.
• When we begin to financially support Pete in his calling as a missionary pilot, he will officially be the first missionary Meadow will be supporting.
• Our vision for missions has always been to be very hands on and partnering with Pete will allow us to do just that - VERY exciting!
• Got a couple "hitches in the giddy-yap" with the purchase agreement of our new building. Both seem to be more technicalities that need to be worked through than anything. Just delaying the final signing again.
• I can't wait until we can stop calling it the REX and call it Meadow Spring Church!
• It was good to have Pat & Brittany back today.
• If things work out the way they are talking, we might be moving to our new building sooner than later. I hope to have more to say about this next Sunday.
• We didn't have communion today. It was a last minute call on my part. Just didn't seem to fit and I never want to force it.
• We are postponing the July 1st baptism and brunch to later this fall when we can do them both in our new building.
• However, we are still having child dedication on July 1st so if you want to dedicate your child, let me know.
• Grilled up some juicy lucy's for lunch today. Different way of grilling but they turned out okay. Guess I'll just have to make them again to get the cooking down.
• You have GOT to do everything possible to be here next Sunday. Week #4 in this series will rock your world!
• I'm sitting here in my recliner with the window open enjoying the cool wind and rain. Relaxing.
• I'm thinking and praying through what teaching series would be perfect for the first teaching series in our new building - nothing is really grabbing me yet. Suggestions?
• The challenge is still out there to give our regular MeadowKIDS volunteers a break this summer. If you are willing to teach and help in MeadowKIDS once in July and once in August, let me know.
• I would appreciate your prayers as we look for someone to fill the soon to be vacant role of Worship Leader.
• Man - I am so pumped about getting into our new building!!!!
• The transition/moving plan from Marcus to our new building is really coming together. When it is a done deal, we will be able to hit the ground running.
• Be ready for some chaos for maybe a couple months as we transition and start moving things.
• Also...get your elbow grease ready because the move will need lots of hands to help!
• This morning was a great morning, but I'm already ready for it to be next Sunday. Maybe its because I didn't teach this morning - but let's do church again!
• Someone said, "This is such a fun church!" - like being "fun" is unheard of in the church world!
• Working on a very creative Sunday that will change your entire perspective on ministry to kids!
• Is it next Sunday yet?
• Okay...my mind has been dumped. Later.

It's Time to Start Counting the Chickens!!!

It's time to start counting the chickens because we just received word that the seller has accepted our offer and has signed the purchase agreement!!! Man...I am so excited I can't type fast enough!!!!!

BUT...

It still needs to go through attorney review, title work, and building inspection - so it's not completely done yet but this is HUGE!!! It is so huge, I'm putting the Set Up and Tear Down Team on notice that they will be without a job in a few months!!!!

Wow!!! Oh wow! Oh wow!!

There is no doubt this is the hand of God!! It was only a few weeks ago that it looked like it was a dead deal. But due to some creative thinking on the part of the Leadership Team, it was resurrected and went through!

There is no doubt this is a direct result of your prayers too!! But let's not stop praying. There is much work ahead of us and this Sunday, I will explain a major and totally exciting detail about this that I can't explain here!!! It will make your jaw drop open!!!

So...this is great news and the news is even better and I will explain on Sunday!!!

See you then!!! (And start packing!!)

Breaking Opportunity to Serve the Homeless

We just got word that a homeless shelter (The Simpson Shelter) in downtown Minneapolis had an unfortunate cancellation by the group scheduled to serve the evening meal this Sunday. We'd like to do everything possible to help and fill this need!

We are looking for 6-12 individuals who are willing to give 3-4 hours of their time THIS SUNDAY night to serve the evening meal to 75-100 homeless people. All that is needed from you is your time and your heart to serve. If you can help, email your name and phone number to me at john@meadowspring.org or leave a comment or message me.

This is open to anyone - whether you attend Meadow or not.

We need to know by Thursday evening if you can help so check your schedules and let me know!

Worship Ministry Transitions

We received a letter from Keldon (our Worship Leader Intern) stating he does not plan on continuing his staff position when his internship is over. In his letter he wrote,

"While I have very much enjoyed my time serving as Intern Worship Leader at Meadow Spring, I want to inform you that I do not plan on pursuing a permanent part-time status. I am certainly committed to finishing our the original six-month agreement, but with graduate studies, my new position at Crown College, and other elements in my life at this time, I feel that this is the best decision for both myself and for Meadow. I can feel that with everything going on in my life at this time, there is high potential for burnout."

Keldon has been a wonderful worship leader and this letter was accepted with regrets by the Leadership Team. Personally, I am absolutely impressed with how Keldon is handling this - even stating that if we find someone to replace him before his six-month internship is over, he will step aside and let the new person take over. Keldon is actually helping us look for a replacement by giving us names of potential candidates which we will be contacting. Totally impressive! Thanks Keldon!

Keldon also said he would be willing to stay at Meadow and continue playing in the band but the staff/leadership role is just too much for him to handle now with the season of life he is in right now. This again is a reflection of his integrity and love for Meadow. And of course we would love to have him stay and play in the band! He is an amazing musician!

We will continue to pursue excellance in our music and worship ministry seeking someone who fits our style and is qualified to lead. And because of the way Keldon is handling this, we will not skip a beat in terms of momentum in our worship.

So, in addition to the individuals I am contacting, if you know of someone who might be qualified to lead our band and worship ministry, please contact me at john@meadowspring.org.

Next time you see Keldon, tell him thanks and that you are glad he will be sticking around! Also, let's pray that God will lead us to the right man or woman who will take our worship ministry to the next level!

Sunday Mind Dump - Late Version

• One word: family
• Three words: Lots of family!
• This is the first time this many from both sides of my family have been together since Sandy & I's wedding - over 30 years ago! Wow!
• Tired? Why yes I am - thanks for asking!
• What an awesome morning at Meadow. The music was absolutely awesome. I felt good about my message. Coffe was delicious. People were the best!
• 2nd week of weekly communion. I'd like to know what you think. Thoughts?
• Had a guest musician lined up for this Sunday but was disappointed when he contacted me and let me know he couldn't come.
• The anticipation of hearing back from the seller is KILLING me!!! I am so ready to get this settled and take the next step!
• When I grow up - I want to be like my dad.
• MeadowKIDS is in need of volunteers - our current volunteers are awesome but I'm concerned about burn-out.
• Today's message was life-changing for me. Be bold in my prayers asking God to use me and use Meadow to do things only God can do through me in my world and community and friends.
• Next Sunday we've got a special speaker coming who is a living example of the message this morning. I'm really looking forward to hearing him speak!
• I'm REALLY tired. Wow! But it's a good tired from doing what I love to do!
• So proud to now have a new daughter - Brittany. What a fantastic young lady!
• Offering was healthy again today - always amazed at what Meadowites give.
• Did an extended walk-through of the REX on Thursday to make a transition plan of what we need to do should it become reality.
• I think - emphasis on "think" - we can do a lot of the work "in-house" - who's up to get their elbows dirty and do some demoing, painting, building, etc., etc., etc.?
• I've got a few key meetings this week again in lining some things up so if the deal goes through we can hit the ground running.
• Today was PACKED!
• My mind is now dumped - your comments and input are always appreciated.
• Later.

Why this Sunday is a great day to check out Meadow...

You've been thinking about checking out Meadow. You've been curious as to what it's all about and how church can be done in a movie theatre. This Sunday is a perfect day to come check it out and experience it for yourself. Why?

Just some of the reasons why this Sunday is a great day to check out Meadow...

• You will hear a real live band on a real stage in a concert like atmosphere play today's pop/rock music.
• You will enjoy a guest guitarist coming in to help lead worship this Sunday - John Pennucci.
• You will be updated on our possible purchase of the REX movie theatre in Chaska.
• If you have elementary kids, they will stay in the service with you during the music segment to experience it with you and then they are dismissed to their own age-specific, energy-packed, fun-filled classes.
• All your kids (infant through grade 6) will love our MeadowKIDS program.
• You will love our free gourment coffee (in big cups!) and free Panera pastries.
• You will be engaged with a relevant message on prayer and you know everyone prays and wants their prayers to be more effective and more powerful.
• You will be done and out of there in time to enjoy the rest of the great Minnesota Day!
• You will rub shoulders with people just like you who are interested and seeking a more refreshing relationship with God.
• You don't have to dress up (our only dress code is to please come dressed! - no naked people allowed!)
• You won't find an offering plate being passed so you can relax about the money thing.

Convinced yet that this Sunday is a great day to come to Meadow?

We meet at 9:30 am in the Marcus Movie Theatres located in the Shakopee Town Square. For more info and directions just go to our web site at MeadowSpring.org.

I hope to see you Sunday!

We're In The News!

Thanks to the power of social media and the "on top of things" reporting of Mollie Francisco (thank you Mollie!) at the Chaska Herald - WE'RE IN THE NEWS!! And it is awesome!

Here are the two links:

• Chaska Herald Article
• Shakopee Valley News Article

I encourage you to pass these articles on to friends, family, co-workers, neighbors. I encourage you to "Like" the Facebook page of Chaska Herald and Shakopee Valley News. Let's spread the buzz!

BUT...

Let's also be clear that this is NOT a done deal yet. Yes, we have submitted a Purchase Agreement to the seller but we have not heard back from them yet. Things like this take time and there are several elements that have to fall into place before it becomes reality. AND reality is that at anytime something could come up that kills the deal.

When I spoke with Mollie, I told her that IF this becomes reality, we will have a whole lot more to say. But right now there really isn't much to say except we have submitted a purchase agreement and offer to the seller.

It also appears based on some early comments from a few Chaska residents, not everyone will be as excited about this as we are. And I totally understand. There are several vacant buildings in downtown Chaska and the desire is for more businesses to move into the downtown area. I respect and understand their feelings and opinions. We need to pray that IF this becomes a done deal, our presence in downtown Chaska will be a blessing to the downtown area and to the city of Chaska.

If anyone would like to contact me to share their opinions, I would love to listen. I can be emailed at john@meadowspring.org.

So...KEEP PRAYING!!!

Update on REX - Tuesday, June 5

I continue to be totally amazed at how this process is working. And without doubt it is because of how people, like you, are praying.

We had a minor set back and scare a week ago and actually thought the deal was headed for the grave yard, but thanks to your prayers there has been new life breathed into it and it is alive once again and we are closer than ever to making this a reality.

But we aren't there yet. Here's what's happening this week:

• Meeting tonight at 6:30 to formally write up a Purchase Agreement. Until now, we have only been trading emails back and forth trying to come up with an agreement. Tonight, we are formally writing the PA to be submitted to the seller. Once the seller agrees to it, we will then submit it to a real estate attorney to make sure everything is in order and complete. If everything is in order we will finalize it with signatures on both parties.
• Thursday morning...myself, Rachel Carlson, and Pat Laeger will be taking a couple hours in the REX to look at it in detail to make a transition plan and a list of all that would need to be done initially to move our ministry from the Marcus Theatres to the REX. We are doing this now so IF the deal goes through, we can hit the ground running.

Again, let me emphasize that this is not a done deal yet. There are still some critical elements that need to be taken care of and questions answered.

What IS important is that we keep praying. Pray for:

• The Leadership Team as we write up the formal PA
• Myself, Rachel, and Pat as we look over the building in detail coming up with a transition plan
• The seller that he will accept our final offer
• Meadow Spring Church that we will continue to be faithful in our regular giving (which will support the new mortgage payment) and our commitments to Imagine (which will support the down payment and initial remodeling expenses).

BTW...if you haven't set up automated giving, you can do that now HERE. On this online site you can easily set up a one time donation or a regular automatic donation. You can set your donation up to go toward our General Giving Fund or the Imagine Building Fund.

Sunday Mind Dump

• Felt totally out of sync this morning. Glad God was in control.
• With that said, I've had several comments on how much this morning meant to them.
• Hard to believe that one week from today, my first-born son will be married. Sheesh - I am so old!
• Summer has started and our attendance reflected it.
• We've got a face-to-face meeting with the seller of the REX this week. Our hope of this meeting is to come to an offer both sides can agree on and to put it in writing.
• I am so impressed with the way Meadowites give.
• There are several people at Meadow who are hurting and that always weighs on my heart big time.
• Sunday afternoons are so "blah" for me - it's amazing how much Sunday mornings take out of me and it takes at least a day to recover.
• Set up and Tear Down Teams are in need of volunteers to assist. This morning we only had one person for both. Thank you does not say it enough to Gary Oliver.
• We started weekly communion this morning. Having weekly communion is totally out of my comfort zone and out of the comfort zone of Meadow, but I am totally pumped about doing this and being stretched to take our worship and how God talks to us to a whole new level.
• Got in a little fishing this past week and caught a nice 3 lb bass.
• Got some exciting news to share with everyone and its not about the REX but it has to wait!
• Oh man...I pray we are able to get the REX. My mind just goes wild with things and classes and ministries we will be able to do with our own building. And the community - wow...I believe the friendships and community will grow beyond our imagination.
• Just imagine what it will be like to not have to rush out of the service on Sunday morning but we can hang out and just relax and talk - not worry about tearing down or getting out so movies can start.
• Just imagine pulling grills out and having after church grilling going on in the parking lot!
• Wow...my mind just goes wild!
• Next week's message is one of the most convicting but yet motivating messages I've prepared for in a long time. Not sure I can wait a whole week to share it!
• Buddy's last flyball class was this past week. He was invited to participate in team training this summer. Not sure I'm going to do it. I think an obedience class might be better for him at this point. He really is a great dog.
• My whole family will be here next weekend for church...parents, sisters, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, mother-in-law. That has NEVER happened EVER in my 28 years of ministry.
• There is this perpetual smell in the office area that is really starting to bother me - just sayin.
• I always wonder if anybody really reads these Sunday Mind Dumps. :)
• I started reading 1 Corinthians in my quiet times. Wow...some tough passages in there to wrestle with - God is using it to stretch and strengthen my faith!
• I LOVE reading the Bible.
• That's about it. My brain is now empty (well at least emptier than it was already!)